On May 16, 2024, Boise State University officials and members of the rPlus Energies team gathered at the Alumni & Friends Center for a signing ceremony to celebrate the endowment of a scholarship for students in the College of Business and Economics and the College of Engineering. 

“I am grateful for the partners of Pleasant Valley Solar for endowing this scholarship at Boise State for engineering and business students. Scholarships are a key instrument in empowering students to attend Boise State, and these will do that for students enabling them to address pressing challenges facing our society,” said College of Engineering Dean JoAnn Lighty.

The $61,500 gift, the first rPlus Energies’ Energy First Scholarship series, aims to support students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental science, or construction; and careers in the energy sector. Endowed scholarships are a sustainable form of financial support to Boise State students, allowing them to pursue a college degree regardless of their financial situation; and a pillar of UNBRIDLED: The Campaign for Boise State, which seeks to enhance the university’s educational, research, creative and fan experiences through support of endowed scholarships and faculty positions, and athletics.

“Our commitment remains deeply rooted in our community-centric approach, fostering opportunities that not only enrich individuals but also contribute to the prosperity of our host communities,” said rPlus Energies President and CEO Luigi Resta. “Our new Energy First Scholarship series recognizes the pivotal role of energy-related occupations in shaping tomorrow’s landscape — from engineers to construction experts, the energy sector offers a diverse array of career paths, and we’re eager to support those interested in our industry.”

rPlus Energies is the developer behind Pleasant Valley Solar, a 200 MWac / 261 MWdc solar project owned by Matrix Renewables to deliver energy that will deliver renewable energy via the Idaho Power system to support Meta’s new Kuna, Idaho, data center. It is currently under construction and expected to employ 220 construction-related jobs.